WHY ARE PLAYERS LEAVING? ANOTHER FLORIDA STATE DEFENSIVE LINEMAN SEND FAREWELL MESSAGE TO FANS AS HE ENTERS THE TRANSFER PORTAL DUE TO…..

Malcolm Ray intends to use the transfer portal.

Since the transfer portal opened last week, several FSU football players have entered it. Another player intends to join the list.

On Monday evening, reserve defensive tackle Malcolm Ray announced his plans via his social media account. Ray is a 2019 recruiting class three-star recruit from South Florida.

He joined Willie Taggart’s staff in December 2018 and remained when Mike Norvell took over as head coach in December 2019.

Ray has been an important member of the interior defensive line for the previous three years. He has appeared as a reserve, although he has also made seven starts between 2021 and 2022.

He finished with 59 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and six quarterback hurries. If Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson intend to return for the 2024 season, along with young players like Daniel Lyons and Keith Sampson. FSU is expected to bring in at least one defensive tackle via the transfer portal.

It would almost certainly maintain Ray as a rotational/depth piece, and I understand Ray’s desire to see if he can earn a starting spot somewhere with one year of eligibility remaining. Ray’s apology to FSU fans reflects the team’s culture, and Ray is a player who has watched the entire program transform under Mike Norvell.

Ray was a member of the 2020 FSU squad, which finished 3-6, and the 2021 team, which started 0-4. Ray received scholarship offers from Louisville, Kentucky, South Florida, and Boston College after graduating from high school. I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed in the state, but with one year left, I hope he can find a family that meets his needs.

Ray is a dedicated worker who made some key plays for the Noles this season. Here’s to wishing Malcolm Ray the best and appreciate everything he’s given Nole Nation.